May 24, 2011 at 6:17 am
LutzM (5/24/2011)
GilaMonster (5/23/2011)
LutzM (5/23/2011)
Regarding the specific situation: it might be better for the person in question to officially ask for support. Try to deal with the situation "undercover" would just increase the trouble e.g. the risk for that person to give a way sensitive data due to the lack of time/permission for a test setup or being called to troubleshoot a mission-critical process wit several people looking over his/her shoulder...I have advised him to speak to his boss.
The whole situation's making me slightly guilty. He's now offering to pay me out of his own pocket, which is not going to work, his billing rate is 1/4 mine, and I can't afford to do what's easily a couple weeks work for peanuts. 🙁
I don't think there's any reason to feel guilty. Not even slightly.
However, one solution could be to help him analyzing the problem in general and show him a few scenarios how to deal with it.
Example:
If it's an issue of the general server setup including required performance tuning: get one or two consultants in to "sort the mess" and advice appropriate action. Should be a matter of a day or two for a broad overview (depending on the given situation, of course).
If it turns out to be a performance tuning issue together with a lack of experience: advice a few books, online tutorials, classes or even a few threads/articles here at SSC (I think we as a community could help to get a list of our favorite tuning threads/articles).
And if the issue turns out to be way beyond his current skills: make him aware of it. In this scenario the only appropriate advice I can think of is to ring the alarm bell a the bosses desk.
If the person already identified the need for training, I don't think that person should pay for it him/herself. The company needs to invest the money.
Agree with Lutz, if you really wanted to do something about it, then let him pay your regular rates with the understanding that he's only getting a couple days or whatever, try to point him in the right direction and then let it go. Or just forget about it, and tell him you can't. Nothing to feel guilty about.
---------------------------------------------------------
How best to post your question[/url]
How to post performance problems[/url]
Tally Table:What it is and how it replaces a loop[/url]
"stewsterl 80804 (10/16/2009)I guess when you stop and try to understand the solution provided you not only learn, but save yourself some headaches when you need to make any slight changes."
May 24, 2011 at 7:18 am
LutzM (5/23/2011)
Based on some of your latest reply I might have to re-evaluate my position regarding NP organization... 😎Regarding the specific situation: it might be better for the person in question to officially ask for support. Try to deal with the situation "undercover" would just increase the trouble e.g. the risk for that person to give a way sensitive data due to the lack of time/permission for a test setup or being called to troubleshoot a mission-critical process wit several people looking over his/her shoulder...
Plus, if the person gets undercover help and succeeds, they're going to be asked to do more that they're going to need help with. It becomes a never-ending situation.
--------------------------------------
When you encounter a problem, if the solution isn't readily evident go back to the start and check your assumptions.
--------------------------------------
It’s unpleasantly like being drunk.
What’s so unpleasant about being drunk?
You ask a glass of water. -- Douglas Adams
May 24, 2011 at 7:56 am
Stefan Krzywicki (5/24/2011)
LutzM (5/23/2011)
Regarding the specific situation: it might be better for the person in question to officially ask for support. Try to deal with the situation "undercover" would just increase the trouble e.g. the risk for that person to give a way sensitive data due to the lack of time/permission for a test setup or being called to troubleshoot a mission-critical process wit several people looking over his/her shoulder...Plus, if the person gets undercover help and succeeds, they're going to be asked to do more that they're going to need help with. It becomes a never-ending situation.
Agreed. Vicious cycle here. There's no winning for the helpee and (s)he will expect future assistance at the same "rates" from you if you help now for cheap/free.
May 24, 2011 at 8:22 am
Brandie Tarvin (5/24/2011)
Stefan Krzywicki (5/24/2011)
LutzM (5/23/2011)
Regarding the specific situation: it might be better for the person in question to officially ask for support. Try to deal with the situation "undercover" would just increase the trouble e.g. the risk for that person to give a way sensitive data due to the lack of time/permission for a test setup or being called to troubleshoot a mission-critical process wit several people looking over his/her shoulder...Plus, if the person gets undercover help and succeeds, they're going to be asked to do more that they're going to need help with. It becomes a never-ending situation.
Agreed. Vicious cycle here. There's no winning for the helpee and (s)he will expect future assistance at the same "rates" from you if you help now for cheap/free.
There's already a vicious cycle - candidates exaggerating their skills on their cv's in order to get a foot in the door. Companies and agencies have responded by issuing these ludicrous "expert needed" catch-all job descriptions. If this person is guilty of the former, then what's the correct procedure?
For better assistance in answering your questions, please read this[/url].
Hidden RBAR: Triangular Joins[/url] / The "Numbers" or "Tally" Table: What it is and how it replaces a loop[/url] Jeff Moden[/url]
May 24, 2011 at 8:25 am
ChrisM@home (5/24/2011)
Brandie Tarvin (5/24/2011)
Stefan Krzywicki (5/24/2011)
LutzM (5/23/2011)
Regarding the specific situation: it might be better for the person in question to officially ask for support. Try to deal with the situation "undercover" would just increase the trouble e.g. the risk for that person to give a way sensitive data due to the lack of time/permission for a test setup or being called to troubleshoot a mission-critical process wit several people looking over his/her shoulder...Plus, if the person gets undercover help and succeeds, they're going to be asked to do more that they're going to need help with. It becomes a never-ending situation.
Agreed. Vicious cycle here. There's no winning for the helpee and (s)he will expect future assistance at the same "rates" from you if you help now for cheap/free.
There's already a vicious cycle - candidates exaggerating their skills on their cv's in order to get a foot in the door. Companies and agencies have responded by issuing these ludicrous "expert needed" catch-all job descriptions. If this person is guilty of the former, then what's the correct procedure?
There's exaggerating your skills and then there's outright lying about them. If the former, they should be able to catch up in a reasonable amount of time. If the latter, they should be fired.
--------------------------------------
When you encounter a problem, if the solution isn't readily evident go back to the start and check your assumptions.
--------------------------------------
It’s unpleasantly like being drunk.
What’s so unpleasant about being drunk?
You ask a glass of water. -- Douglas Adams
May 24, 2011 at 8:45 am
Stefan Krzywicki (5/24/2011)
Plus, if the person gets undercover help and succeeds, they're going to be asked to do more that they're going to need help with. It becomes a never-ending situation.
This is the thing I'd worry about. It's human nature to take advantage of a situation, especially when you're removed from dealing with it by another person.
I'd point him in the right direction for training, and offer to train him a bit for your rate, maybe hitting high points of what he should learn.
Or maybe you would take a meeting with the boss and explain what works and what value support brings. I might invest that much in a friend.
May 24, 2011 at 8:46 am
What's up with all the old threads being resurrected lately? I've seen several this week already... 🙁
Wayne
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008
Author - SQL Server T-SQL Recipes
May 24, 2011 at 8:48 am
WayneS (5/24/2011)
What's up with all the old threads being resurrected lately? I've seen several this week already... 🙁
Are they "Did you ever find a solution" resurrections, spam resurrections, or "hey, I have important stuff to contribute despite the fact that the thread is done" resurrections?
May 24, 2011 at 8:51 am
WayneS (5/24/2011)
What's up with all the old threads being resurrected lately? I've seen several this week already... 🙁
Don't you know Wayne - fashion comes and goes. Hotpants again this summer 😛
For better assistance in answering your questions, please read this[/url].
Hidden RBAR: Triangular Joins[/url] / The "Numbers" or "Tally" Table: What it is and how it replaces a loop[/url] Jeff Moden[/url]
May 24, 2011 at 8:56 am
Thanks to all those who proof read and commented on my 'cursors' article , finally submitted it to Steve today.
May 24, 2011 at 9:21 am
Grant Fritchey (5/23/2011)
opc.three (5/23/2011)
Craig Farrell (5/23/2011)
GilaMonster (5/23/2011)
LutzM (5/23/2011)
GilaMonster (5/23/2011)
Just got a PM and a mail asking for some free consulting. I sympathise with people in tough situations, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to give telephonic support for free. 🙁If it would be a tough situation, there would be money available for a solution (with the exception of non-profit organizations, I guess).
From what I could gather, management expects the employee to be able to do the work, he can't, doesn't want to admit that, wants help quietly.
Is it bad that my first reaction to that is "I guess the wolves will eat well, soon."?
No. Not at all. Wolves have to eat too 😀
Buzzards got to eat, same as worms.
Been meaning to catch up on classic Westerns *adds "Outlaw" to Netflix queue*
There are no special teachers of virtue, because virtue is taught by the whole community.
--Plato
May 24, 2011 at 9:21 am
WayneS (5/24/2011)
What's up with all the old threads being resurrected lately? I've seen several this week already... 🙁
Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events
May 24, 2011 at 9:45 am
Stefan Krzywicki (5/24/2011)
LutzM (5/23/2011)
Based on some of your latest reply I might have to re-evaluate my position regarding NP organization... 😎Regarding the specific situation: it might be better for the person in question to officially ask for support. Try to deal with the situation "undercover" would just increase the trouble e.g. the risk for that person to give a way sensitive data due to the lack of time/permission for a test setup or being called to troubleshoot a mission-critical process wit several people looking over his/her shoulder...
Plus, if the person gets undercover help and succeeds, they're going to be asked to do more that they're going to need help with. It becomes a never-ending situation.
And pretty soon they are deemed an Expert, and know everything about anything. 😛
There are some things it's best to admit you need someone with experience.
Works better for both you and the business.
May 24, 2011 at 9:46 am
Brandie Tarvin (5/24/2011)
WayneS (5/24/2011)
What's up with all the old threads being resurrected lately? I've seen several this week already... 🙁Are they "Did you ever find a solution" resurrections, spam resurrections, or "hey, I have important stuff to contribute despite the fact that the thread is done" resurrections?
You forgot "BRAAAIIINNNNSSS!!!..."
Edit: Dammit Jason! :hehe:
---------------------------------------------------------
How best to post your question[/url]
How to post performance problems[/url]
Tally Table:What it is and how it replaces a loop[/url]
"stewsterl 80804 (10/16/2009)I guess when you stop and try to understand the solution provided you not only learn, but save yourself some headaches when you need to make any slight changes."
May 24, 2011 at 9:50 am
jcrawf02 (5/24/2011)
Brandie Tarvin (5/24/2011)
WayneS (5/24/2011)
What's up with all the old threads being resurrected lately? I've seen several this week already... 🙁Are they "Did you ever find a solution" resurrections, spam resurrections, or "hey, I have important stuff to contribute despite the fact that the thread is done" resurrections?
You forgot "BRAAAIIINNNNSSS!!!..."
Edit: Dammit Jason! :hehe:
buahahaha:-D:-D:-D
Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events
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